Thursday, March 28, 2024

Can Nexium Cause Stomach Cancer

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked To Increased Risk Of Stomach Cancer

Omeprazole, Nexium, can cause symptoms of Gerd and Acid reflux and even cancer

January 18, 2018 By Sean Lally

If you suffer from stomach issues, you may have heard of the so-called proton pump inhibitors , including Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, and Nexium. Its possible that you may have missed the news about the dangers associated with this type of drug, which, it turns out, can cause all sorts of side effects, including but not limited to increased risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury and Chronic Kidney Disease . PPIs work by interfering with a proton pump, thereby reducing the flow of acid into the stomach and inhibiting the circulation of calcium. Nexium is the main culprit and is the subject of a recent MDL concerning copious adverse events associated with the drug.

Changes In Genes In Stomach Cancer Cells

Recent research has provided clues on how some stomach cancers form. For instance, H pylori bacteria, particularly certain subtypes, can convert substances in some foods into chemicals that cause mutations in the DNA of the cells in the stomach lining. This may help explain why certain foods such as preserved meats increase a persons risk for stomach cancer. On the other hand, some of the foods that might lower stomach cancer risk, such as fruits and vegetables, contain antioxidants that can block substances that damage a cells DNA.

Stomach cancers, like other cancers, are caused by changes in the DNA inside cells. DNA is the chemical that carries our genes, which control how our cells function. We look like our parents because they are the source of our DNA. But DNA affects more than how we look.

Some genes control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die:

  • Genes that normally help cells grow, divide, and stay alive can sometimes change to become oncogenes.
  • Genes that help keep cell division under control, repair mistakes in DNA, or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes.

Cancers can be caused by DNA changes that keep oncogenes turned on, or that turn off tumor suppressor genes.

What Nexium Lawsuit Settlements Are There

In 2005, AstraZeneca settled a lawsuit that claimed it had developed Nexium solely to maintain their profits from Prilosec, rather than developing an actual improvement to the medication. The plaintiffs claimed that AstraZeneca was improperly encouraging patients to switch over to taking Nexium, their new medication, instead of Prilosec, whose patent was about to expire, thereby reducing the profits the company could make from it as other companies created generic versions of the drug. AstraZeneca settled for $20 million.

Also Check: What Is Good For Stomach Acid Reflux

How Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Work

The stomach digests food with the aid of gastric acid, a mix of hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. This highly corrosive soup is produced when gastric cells in the stomach secrete the hormone gastrin, which signals parietal cells in the stomach to start pumping acid. PPIs shut down the proton pumps in the parietal cells, cutting off the production of acid. If you are blocking acid production by using a proton pump inhibitor, the body says, I dont have enough acid. Make more. So, the way the body reacts is for G-cells to produce more gastrin, Dr. Perre says. Too much gastrin may stimulate the growth of gastrointestinal tumors. Ironically, proton pump inhibitors often are prescribed to treat acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflex disease , or H. pylori infections, conditions that may increase the risk of stomach and esophageal cancers. It is a double-edged sword, he says.

Nexium & Prilosec Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Filing a Nexium Lawsuit Because of Stomach Cancer

As of this time, there have been no large mass tort settlements involving Nexium or Prilosec and the potential link to kidney injuries. Generally, however, large groups of settlements do not occur until such time as a few lawsuits are tried before a jury, and the manufacturer is able to more thoroughly understand its financial risk.

We are one of the few law firms that have been appointed to the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee by the judge overseeing all of the federal lawsuits involving Nexium and Prilosec, and its link to kidney and renal injuries. This means that we are directly involved in the national investigation and discovery that will hopefully result in a positive outcome for the individuals injured by this drug.

In 2016, AstraZeneca paid the United States Department of Justice a $7.9 million penalty for engaging in a kickback scheme involving the sale of Nexium and Prilosec.

In 2015, AstraZeneca settled a national class action involving deceptive marketing of Nexium for the sum of $20 million.

In 2003, AstraZeneca faced allegations by the European Commission that the company provided false and misleading information in order to protect its patent on Losec . After a two-year investigation, the Commission ordered AstraZeneca to pay a fine of 53 million .

Don’t Miss: How To Stop Stomach Inflammation Immediately

Antacid Lawsuit Gastrointestinal Cancer From Nexium Or Prilosec

If you developed stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, or liver cancer after taking Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, or a prescription antacid, contact our lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. Several medical studies have linked these drugs, called proton-pump inhibitors, to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer. This page answers several frequently asked questions about filing an antacid cancer lawsuit.

Warning Disclaimer Use For Publication

WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk.

If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date.

Recommended Reading: How To Lose Stomach Fat With Pcos

Side Effects Of Nexium

Nexium is generally well tolerated. But as with any other medications, the PPI drug can also cause some side effects.

Some of the most common side effects reported with Nexium include:

  • Headache
  • Vitamin b12 deficiency
  • Yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin

Although these these serious side effects are a known less common incidence with Nexium, if they do occur, they may warrant medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms while taking esomeprazole.

Common Side Effects Of Nexium

If you want stomach cancer, take antacids.

Common side effects of Nexium occurred in 1% or more of patients in clinical trials. The safety and efficacy of Nexium was tested in more than 15,000 people, according to the drugs Prescribing Information.

In clinical trials, less than 1% of adults reported dyspepsia, or indigestion. Pediatric side effects can include fast, shallow breathing and vomiting.

Common side effects of Nexium include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency

These serious side effects have been reported with Nexium through clinical studies listed on the drugs label. People have reported other serious side effects after Nexium was released on the market.

Reported post-approval side effects include: Blurred vision, hepatitis and autoimmune issues. Because these are voluntary reports, scientists cant determine how often they happen or if they are definitively linked to Nexium. Read the drugs label for a complete list of postmarketing side effects.

Read Also: What’s The Best Way To Lose Weight From Stomach

What Is The Evidence That H Pylori Infection May Reduce The Risk Of Some Cancers

Several studies have detected an inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cardia cancer , although the evidence is not entirely consistent . The possibility of an inverse relationship between the bacterium and gastric cardia cancer is supported by the corresponding decrease in H. pylori infection rates in Western countries during the past centurythe result of improved hygiene and widespread antibiotic useand the increase in rates of gastric cardia cancer in these same regions.

Similar epidemiologic evidence suggests that H. pylori infection may be associated with a lower risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. For example, a large casecontrol study in Sweden showed that the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in H. pylori-infected individuals was one-third that of uninfected individuals . A meta-analysis of 13 studies, including the Swedish study, found a 45 percent reduction in risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma with H. pylori infection . Moreover, as with gastric cardia cancer, dramatic increases in esophageal adenocarcinoma rates in several Western countries parallel the declines in H. pylori infection rates.

What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take This Drug

  • If you are allergic to this drug any part of this drug or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you are taking any of these drugs: Atazanavir, clopidogrel, nelfinavir, rifampin, rilpivirine, or St. Johns wort.
  • If you have any of these health problems: Black or bloody stools heartburn with light-headedness, sweating, or dizziness chest pain shoulder pain with shortness of breath pain that spreads to the arms, neck, or shoulders light-headedness sweating a lot throwing up blood or trouble or pain swallowing food.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Also Check: Why Is My Stomach Gurgling

When To Stop Taking Nexium

Patients shouldnt stop taking prescription Nexium before talking to their medical provider. Stopping medication suddenly may lead to Nexium withdrawal symptoms and could make existing stomach problems worse.

Many Nexium side effects are mild and may go away after your body gets used to the medication. If you experience a serious side effect, such as an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately.

If you want to stop taking Nexium, discuss your treatment goals with your doctor. Review the medicines you are currently taking and check to see if any are still necessary. Ask your doctor whether there are alternatives to taking PPIs, such as H2 blockers, antacids or lifestyle changes. Keep in mind that you may need to see your doctor several times to reduce your dose.

Side Effects From Long

Study Shows Alarming Connection with Nexium Stomach Cancer ...

Certain side effects of Nexium become a concern with prolonged use. For example, low levels of magnesium and vitamin B12 can be an issue after months to years of treatment. Long-term and even lifelong treatment with PPIs is not uncommon. At times, this may be related to an ongoing risk of stomach ulcers or GERD symptoms, and in other instances, the option for stoppage has simply never been revisited after an initial indication.

Consulting with a healthcare professional about whether or not to stop PPIs like Nexium has become more pertinent in recent years, largely due to questions being raised about other possible long-term PPI side effects. One such concern involves reduced bone density , which may explain the finding of increased fracture risk after years of PPI use, although further study is still needed.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Way To Lose Stomach Fat

How To Avoid Nexium Side Effects

  • Taking Nexium on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before the morning meal helps to generate maximum effectiveness.
  • Review the list of medications for interactions at every appointment with the healthcare provider. Interactions may occur between Nexium and prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, and even natural products.
  • Discuss the intended duration of Nexium or potential discontinuation at each appointment.
  • Ask about monitoring magnesium and vitamin B12 levels during long-term Nexium use.
  • What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug

    All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

    • Headache.
    • Dry mouth.
    • Upset stomach.

    These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

    You may report side effects to your national health agency.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-. You may also report side effects at .

    You May Like: How Do I Lose My Stomach Without Losing Weight

    Why Do We Think This Research Is Important:

    What makes this research concerning to us is what we pharmacologists call the dose response curve. Its a fairly simple concept. If we see a greater effect from a higher dose we feel more confident that it is cause and effect.

    Here is an example. One baby aspirin might cause a little stomach upset for highly sensitive people. Two full-strength 325 mg tablets are likely to cause a bit more stomach upset in average folks. A handful of aspirin tablets all at once can trigger significant gastritis, ulcers and even a serious toxic reaction in most people.

    In the case of PPIs, the people who took acid-suppressing drugs daily for more than three years were substantially more likely to develop stomach cancer than those who only took the drugs for a year. And weaker acid suppressors like H2RAs apparently posed no increased risk.

    What Is Heart Disease

    Can Nexium Cause Candida?

    Heart disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of conditions, including:

    • Blood vessel diseases
    • Chest pain
    • Stroke

    Typically, heart disease is used to refer more specifically to cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack or stroke, even though the term does include other conditions related to the heart. The symptoms of heart disease vary depending on what type of heart disease a patient has.

    What Is a Heart Attack?

    A heart attack happens when something blocks the flow of blood into the heart. The blockage can be caused by a buildup of fat, cholestorla, or another substance. If the blood flow to the heart is interrupted, it can cause damage or even destroy part of the heart. While treatments for heart attacks have improved drastically in recent years, heart attacks can still be fatal.

    What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

    The symptoms of a heart attack can include the following:

    • A feeling in the chest that can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back of:
    • Pain
    • Fundic gland polyps
    • Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels

    Studies have linked Nexium with other conditions, such as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, but no warnings have as of yet been issued for these risks.

    Also Check: How Would You Know If You Have Stomach Cancer

    Filing A Nexium Stomach Cancer Lawsuit

    For some patients to be treated for Nexium long term side effects, they may simply be taken off of the medication. For others, unfortunately, side effects may be more permanent in nature. Those individuals may be able to file a Nexium stomach cancer lawsuit.

    If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with stomach cancer or other significant side effects after treatment with Nexium, you may be able to pursue litigation. While filing a Nexium stomach cancer lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by Nexium side effects, nor bring a loved one back to life, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

    If you or someone you know took PPI meds and suffered from Nexium stomach cancer or were hospitalized for Nexium kidney problems, you may qualify to file a Nexium lawsuit to pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. See if you qualify for a Nexium lawsuit settlement by filling out the short form on this page. Its absolutely free to participate, so act now!

    How Do Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs Work

    This class of medicines are known as PPIs or proton pump inhibitors. They work by reducing the acid made by the stomach lining. Nexium has become one of the most popular drugs in the U.S. due to the number of people suffering from stomach problems, heartburn, and acid reflux. Since so many of these are available over the counter, a user can fall under the mistaken impression that its low-risk to take them over the long run.

    However, as these studies have shown, long-term usage of the drugs could lead to other medical conditions or even cause stomach cancer.

    Recommended Reading: What Causes Your Stomach To Burn

    Should I Stop Using Prilosec

    PPIs like lansoprazole and omeprazole are available over the counter without a prescription. But long term use can be problematic.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says over-the-counter PPIs should only be taken for the 14-day course up to three times a year.

    In some cases, medications called an H2 blocker like Pepcid or Tagamet may be appropriate. After a week of taking an H2 blocker instead of PPIs, the PPIs will be out of the system. It is then possible to switch to OTC antacids on an as-needed basis.

    However, some people may still experience difficult symptoms after coming off PPIs and may need to go back on them at a higher dosage.

    Before making any changes to medications or dosages, patients who are on PPIs should discuss with their healthcare provider whether they should continue taking the medication, or whether other options might be appropriate.

    Can Nexium Cause Stomach Cancer New Lawsuit Says Yes

    Nexium and Stomach Cancer May be Linked, New Research ...

    A new lawsuit poses the question, Does Nexium cause stomach cancer? amid concerns about the side effects of this popular medication. Plaintiff Carol D. alleges that proton pump inhibitor drugs like Nexium and Protonix are unreasonably dangerous for consumers to use.

    These medicines suppress the amount of stomach acid in the body, but according to the lawsuit, they could also lead to dangerous and even life-threatening problems. A growing number of consumers want to know, can Nexium cause stomach cancer?

    The plaintiff says that she took Nexium for several years beginning around February 2008. In 2012, according to the suit, she used the PPI Dexilant, and Protonix, another PPI, the following year. Carol alleges that the medications contributed to her gastric cancer, which was diagnosed in November 2017.

    The lawsuit says that the drugs manufacturers should have done more to make the public aware of the risks.

    PPI products like Nexium are intended for patients who have acid peptic disease, GERD, acid reflux, or stomach and peptic ulcers. They work by blocking the stomachs production of acid.

    More than 21 million Americans have used some form of a PPI drug, for both short and long-term treatment.

    Since the drugs came to market, they have enjoyed commercial success despite adverse health outcome reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and to physicians. Some of the most serious side effectsinclude death, gastric cancer, and renal failure.

    Don’t Miss: Why Does Anxiety Cause Stomach Pain

    Popular Articles
    Related news